This Medical Product Alert relates to two versions of falsified cefixime products that have been identified in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (South Kivu), and recently reported to WHO.
Cefixime is used to treat a range of bacterial infections and is listed as a WHO Essential Medicine.
WHO was informed in late 2017 that falsified cefixime products had been procured by local health centres and identified by an NGO. The products were sent for quality-assurance laboratory testing and the results shared with WHO (see table below). The source(s) of the falsified products has not yet been identified.
Both products are presented in standard white plastic containers. The tablets of both products are round, small, and without any embossing.
It should be noted that, for both products:
- Both stated manufacturers have confirmed they did not manufacture either of these products
- The label of both products display spelling mistakes
- There have been no known adverse reactions reported to WHO at this stage.
Product details and photographs are available here.
WHO requests increased vigilance within the supply chains of countries likely to be affected by this falsified product. This falsified product is presented in plastic containers of 100 tablets, as such, increased vigilance should include hospitals, clinics, health centres, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and any other suppliers of medical products.
If you are in possession of the above product, please do not use. If you have taken this falsified product, or if you suffer an adverse event having taken this product, please seek immediate advice from a qualified healthcare professional, and report the incident to your local Ministry of Health/National Medicines Regulatory Authorities/National Pharmacovigilance Centre.
It is necessary to ensure that all medical products are obtained from authentic and reliable sources. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked. Seek advice from a healthcare professional if there is any doubt.
National health authorities are asked to immediately notify WHO if these falsified products are discovered. If you have any information concerning the manufacture, distribution, or supply of these products, please contact rapidalert@who.int